AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari with superb guide
We have just returned from this amazing safari trip across 5 different locations in Kenya. Everything was very well taken care of and all our requests were accommodated at the speed of light. Our guide was Richard (Richie) who was extremely friendly, open, talked a lot about his country, animals, people and pretty much everything you ask him about. Kids loved his music selection during all those long rides between towns. During the game drives he was an amazing spotter - could find a rare animal miles away and show us the best of safari! The only small minus was the car itself - it has definitely seen better times a while ago. But wasn't a big issue.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Helpful
Nice and professional staff ready to help. Pocket friendly rates
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great safari, great company, great guide!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our Tanzanian safari. We visited Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park including the northern part near the Mara river, and Ngorongoro crater. All of the accommodations were excellent. The Simba lodge had a watering hole right next to it where we saw elephants, zebras, warthogs, and storks. The tented camps in the Serengeti were very comfortable and close to the animals, including one night with a Hippo munching on grass right by our tent! Our guide, Jamal, was awesome! He knew where to find the animals and was also quite knowledgeable about birds. We saw 40 different animals and more than 90 kinds of birds. We saw the big 5 and much much more. Some of the highlights were:
the massing of many different kinds of animals at the Tarangire river
spotting the African Wild Dog (Cape Hunting Dog) an endangered and very rare species
viewing lots of animals at the watering hole next to the Simba Lodge
seeing a large pride of lions comprised of 2 males, 4 females, and 13 cubs
a mother lion nursing her 7 cubs (she also carried one around in her mouth)
3 wildebeest migrations across the Mara river
2 female lions stalking and killing a zebra right in front of our eyes
Spotting a rhino up close
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our trip to the Serengeti was a once in a lifetime experience.
The communication, service, and adventure are just like you imagine for a great time. Accommodations are very comfortable and safe. The guide's knowledge and experience made the safari top notch. This is the best!
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent and efficient service
Chalo Africa was not only efficient but also very responsive and were able to handle our situation which was complicated by the fact that we were traveling with little internet access and cc payment difficulties. i highly recommend them.
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Custom Safari
We booked our honeymoon 10-day Tanzania safari in Ruaha and the Serengeti through Paul Tickner, and were so glad we did! While booking, he was in constant communication about our preferences, giving us advice and a good idea of what we could expect at each camp. Once we were on our trip, we began to truly appreciate the amount of coordination required! Everything was arranged perfectly - flights, car transfers, hotels, safari camps. It all went off without a hitch!
Regarding Ruaha specifically, we found the park to be wonderful! The animals stay close to the riverbed during dry season, so it's common to see many different animals (baboons, giraffes, impala, wort hogs) all together at once, which is truly amazing. The days are hot, but not unbearable, and there aren't as many cars as you'll find in the Serengeti, so it's a more personal experience.
Could not recommend Paul or Ruaha more highly!
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Most Amazing Family Trip!! Excellent Service and Organization
We went on our first family safari to the Masai Mara in Kenya with our six children in late August during the peak of the wildebeest migration. Sangeeta understood our family needs and requirements and arranged an itinerary that was comfortable, kid friendly, and educational. As a result the family was able to experience Africa in a way that we never imagined. We witnessed the wildebeest migration river crossing, saw the big 5, visited a local school, went on walking and night safari tours, and much more all in just 5 days. Our tour guides were extraordinary!!! They kept the kids engaged and excited at all times. Sangeeta and the Chalo Africa team were communicating with us during the entire trip via a Whatsapp group chat to ensure that everything was always perfect. I highly recommend planning your next safari with Chalo Africa.
IE
20-35 years of age
Perfect blend of adventure and relaxation
This trip had so many iconic East African experiences, and was just so much fun. If you want to go on safari and also want to experience real Uganda, go with these guys.
I loved the mystery of going on a trip I hadn't planned myself. We received an itinerary but I purposely didn't look up anything as I wanted to the excitement of seeing genuine new things, a hard thing to achieve these days. I put my trust in Colm & Peter and they didn't disappoint. The beauty of the country and the warmth of the people surpassed all expectations. There is so much to see and do in Uganda I came home with a list of things I'll have to go back and do.
What I liked about Kennedy Safari Tours was that they were fluid and easy going. They really listened to what the group wanted in this really discreet way, and then just made it happen, they didn't miss a thing. They knew I was into birdwatching and managed to fit that in for me even though it wasn't planned. In fact if you're into birds in any way, you need to go to Uganda. Every hike or game drive we went on we encountered incredible birds, and the local guides were more than happy to identify them.
They use guides who have decades of experience and who are passionate about their parks and the animals. They're responsible, especially when bush camping and leave no trace. Much of the accommodation we used were community projects run by locals, so in this sense they are really supporting small local business, and in turn their wider communities.
What I also liked was that the guys were as excited by the wildlife and the things that we encountered as we were, so it felt like we were all enjoying the experience together. Small subtleties like that make for a more authentic experience.
The trip was so affordable. They have obviously put in the time and effort to seek out an itinerary that is affordable without having to leave anything out, whether you're a volunteer, a student or just someone who wants a rich experience that you don't have to spend a lot on. I feel like I could go again next year and it not be a big deal, with flights from Ireland being so reasonable.
It's hard to pick a highlight as I genuinely loved every day. I loved the wild and remote places like Kidepo National Park, river swimming and standing under waterfalls in Sipi Falls, also the coffee tour in Sipi Falls. Safari from a boat on the Nile in Murchison Falls NP when we saw a herd of elephants drinking along the shoreline. The stunning trek to the Ik Tribe and the whole experience of meeting the tribe was very special. Evening game drives, early morning game drives! Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and getting to spend the whole day in the rainforest. The food! ( Thank you Peter! ) All things I'll never forget.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was an amazing experience and one of the best vacations I have ever been on.
This was probably one of the best vacations that I have ever been on. Our tour was especially geared to children. I have gone on many vacations with Disney Adventures and Disney Cruises and this tour beats all of them! My kids learned about animals, the ecosystem and the culture. I highly recommended this tour to everyone.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Experience of a lifetime, our every expectation was met in a professional manner by the team.
From day one, every single aspect of dealing with Wild At Heart Tours and Safaris was professional, polite and knowledgeable.
Their service was in a nutshell was infallible ( error-free, unfailing, faultless, flawless, impeccable, perfect, true, uncanny, precise, accurate, meticulous, scrupulous) This extended to every member of the team from booking, to the guide Jared and the whole tour itself.
We will be back soon !